Of course it applies. Read the article I posted above if you want to know why.
I read it. Funny, it reminded me of Ecclesiastes in some parts.
Jesus's followers were already poor and downtrodden. He just made it palatable for the hopeless to exist on this earth with his promises of something beyond death... or, paradise in the hereafter. Plus, on the practical side, Christians didn't mind as much getting thrown into arenas with bloodthirsty lions for the amusement of the Romans, since they believed they were heading for heaven and away from their miserable existences anyway. With the fear of death banished, it worked for everyone. 
Not all of Jesus' followers were poor and downtrodden. Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy follower of Jesus from the start. The book of Acts mentions several very wealthy Christians who sold everything they had and gave it to the poor.
Yes, eternal life and treasures in Heaven motivate Christians, but that is not the only thing. A desire to lead others toward eternal life and toward treasures in Heaven is another, plus a mere desire to please God by doing good to others.
